Hiring an J-1 exchange visitor as an international intern brings fresh perspectives, global insight, and cross-cultural collaboration into your organization. By building meaningful connections with emerging global talent, organizations strengthen understanding, encourage collaborative mindsets, and unlock new opportunities for growth and learning. These individual relationships and professional networks foster people-to-people—and business-to-business—diplomacy, helping create vibrant trans-Atlantic communities that form the foundation of long-term economic strength and shared prosperity.

Host companies interested in hiring international interns must:

• Have a minimum of 5 full-time employees
• A site visit must be conducted if a host company has not previously participated in the GACC Midwest’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and does not meet at least one of the following conditions:
  • At least 25 full-time employees;
  • At least $3 million in annual revenue.

Organizations interested in hiring (i.e. „hosting“) J-1 Exchange Visitors have a responsibility to provide these international interns with a structured training plan (the DS-7002 Training Plan) and appropriate supervision that allows for an effective working and learning environment for young professionals, looking to expand their cultural and professional horizons.

Per U.S. Department of State regulations, Interns cannot work in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve childcare or elder care or in any kind of position that involves medical patient care or contact. Nor can interns work in positions that require more than 20 percent clerical or office support work.

J-1 host organizations have a responsibility to:

• Notify sponsors promptly of any concerns about, changes in or deviations from T/IPPs during training and internship programs and contact sponsors immediately in the event of any emergency involving trainees or interns;
• Abide by all federal, state and local occupational health and safety laws;
• Abide by all program rules and regulations set forth by the sponsors, including the completion of all mandatory program evaluations (Midpoint and Final evaluations)
• Have sufficient resources, equipment and trained personnel available;
• Provide continuous on-site supervision and mentoring by experienced and knowledgeable staff; and
• Ensure that interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities such as classroom training, seminars, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, attendance at conferences and similar learning activities, as appropriate in specific circumstances.

It is strongly recommended to set up a call with GACC Midwest’s J-1 Visa Services team to establish personalized support and go over the application process and host organization responsibilities.

J-1 Host organizations are required to provide the following documentation:

• GACC Midwest J-1 Host Company Application and Agreement Form
• DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) Form
  • Per U.S. Department of State regulations, all parties involved in internship programs should recognize that interns are seeking entry-level training and experience. Accordingly, all placements must be tailored to the skills and experience level of the individual intern
• Workers Compensation Exemption form (if applicable)
• For internship programs that exceed six (6) months, the intern’s immediate supervisor must respond to midpoint and to a final evaluation, provided by GACC Midwest
• For internship programs that are less than six (6) months, the intern’s immediate supervisor must respond to a final evaluation, provided by GACC Midwest.